**** HOUSING Media Release
Province Supports Affordable Housing Projects in Halifax Regional Municipality
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Having a safe and affordable place to call home is a struggle for too many Nova Scotians. That’s why the provincial, federal and municipal governments are supporting the creation of more than 50 new affordable housing units in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Chuck Porter, and Families, Children and Social Development Minister Ahmed Hussen, announced today, Dec. 21, details of the Rapid Housing Initiative in HRM. In addition to a federal investment of $8.7 million, the province will contribute more than $1.8 million to help ensure three projects are sustainable over the long term.
“We need to act quickly to address the unprecedented housing market that currently exists in our province, and these projects are a significant step in the right direction,” said Mr. Porter. “We will continue to work with our partners to identify opportunities to protect vulnerable Nova Scotians now, while the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission continues its work to find long-term solutions.”
Adsum for Women and Children, the North End Community Health Association and the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre will work with HRM on the three projects.
The projects will include a focus on people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness including Mi’kmaq women and their children, African Nova Scotians and people with physical disabilities.
Quotes:
“Our Government wants to ensure every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home. Investments with our municipal partners like Halifax under the Rapid Housing Initiative’s Major Cities Stream will go a long way to effectively support those who need it most by quickly providing new affordable housing units to vulnerable individuals and families to keep them safe. This is one of the ways our government’s National Housing Strategy continues to provide housing for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.”
– Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
“These projects demonstrate that government and community can work with urgency to address the very real need for permanent, affordable, supportive housing. Together, we can make sure housing is not simply an important right but a lasting reality.”
– Mike Savage, mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality
Quick Facts:
— together, the federal and provincial governments are investing $513 million over 10 years in affordable housing projects and programs
— since April 1, 647 people have been housed by provincially funded housing support workers
— over the past six months, more than 900 low-income homeowners have received a home repair or adaptation
— more than 2,500 households currently receive a rent supplement
— the recently announced Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit will help up to 1,700 households across the province
Additional Resources:
Housing Action Plan: http://housing.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/NS_Housing_Action_Plan_2019.pdf
Rapid Housing Initiative: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/nhs/rapid-housing-initiative
